What countries do not allow guns?
Asked by: Prof. Josianne Medhurst | Last update: February 5, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (31 votes)
While no country completely bans all firearms for everyone (exceptions often exist for military/police), countries with near-total civilian bans or extremely strict controls include Japan, China, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, North Korea, and some island nations like Nauru & Solomon Islands, where private gun ownership is virtually impossible or requires exceptional justification, unlike places with lax laws like the US or Switzerland.
What country has banned guns?
In some countries, including Cambodia, Eritrea, and the Solomon Islands, private ownership of firearms by civilians is completely prohibited. There may be exceptions for private security companies, militias and paramilitary groups.
What countries don't carry guns?
In eighteen countries or territories, the police do not carry firearms unless the situation is expected to merit it: Botswana, Cook Islands, Fiji, Iceland, Ireland, Kiribati, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, the United Kingdom (except for Northern Ireland), the ...
Are guns banned in Canada?
You asked for a description of Canada's gun control laws. Firearms are federally regulated in Canada. The federal 1977 Criminal Law Amendment Act, as amended, prohibits automatic weapons and sawed-off shotguns and rifles. It is illegal for anyone, except (for the most part) the police and the military, to possess them.
Are guns banned in Europe?
In contrast to the US, where the right to own firearms is implemented in the Constitution under the Second Amendment, European countries have strict regulations that mostly ban civilians from bearing guns, with only few exceptions.
Top 10 Countries With The Most Privately Owned Guns
What country has the freest gun laws?
There isn't one single "most gun friendly" country, but the United States has the highest civilian gun ownership and very permissive laws in many states, while Switzerland is known for its strong gun culture tied to militia service and relatively liberal ownership rules for certain firearms after background checks, and countries like Yemen also have extremely non-restrictive laws, though often with different cultural contexts. Other nations with high ownership or liberal access include Canada, Finland, and Serbia, often linked to hunting or defense traditions.
Are guns banned in Italy?
Licensing and acquisition. To legally acquire firearms in Italy, individuals must obtain a "purchase authorization" (nulla osta all'acquisto). This authorization permits the holder to purchase and possess a firearm, but not to carry or use it.
Are guns banned in Australia?
Gun control laws in Australia are not uniform across the country, with inconsistent implementation of the rules across states and territories. But generally, to apply for a gun licence, you must be over 18, a "fit and proper person", pass a training and safety course and give a "genuine reason" for having a firearm.
Can a US citizen carry a gun in Canada?
Crossing the Canadian Border with a Gun. Firearms are very strictly controlled in Canada, and any visitor bringing a gun into the country must declare it in writing at the border via a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form. A $25 fee must also be paid at the Port of Entry (credit cards are accepted).
Can I own an AK-47 in Canada?
Based on Section 84(1) of the Criminal Code , receiver blanks can be classified as non-restricted, restricted or prohibited. The most common in Canada are for: Colt M1911, SIG 226 and Glock 17 pattern handguns (all restricted firearms) AK-47 and AR-15/M16 pattern rifles (both prohibited firearms)
Do Dubai police carry guns?
Officers carry semi-automatic handguns such as the Caracal and SIG Sauer pistols. Their special emergency unit uses a varied arsenal of weapons such as the MP5 submachine gun, Glock 17 pistols, Ithaca 37 shotguns, M4 and M16 variants, X26 tasers, flash grenades, and other weapons depending on the situation.
Where in the US are guns not allowed?
Federally designated areas where weapons are banned, even with a permit: Federal Courthouses* Federal Buildings* Any Building Owned, Leased or Rented by the Federal Government — This includes buildings in national forests which are property of the federal government.
How did New Zealand get rid of guns?
On 10 April 2019, the Government passed the Arms (Prohibited Firearms, Magazines, and Parts) Amendment Act 2019, banning semi-automatic firearms, magazines, and parts. The Arms Amendment Bill was supported by all parties except the opposition ACT Party's sole MP David Seymour.
Are guns legal in Japan?
(A) Firearms and Swords Control Law
Aim. The Law (promulgated on March 10 1958, Law No. 6) aims to prohibit, in principle, the possession of firearms and swords. Of firearms, the import of handguns, military rifles, machine guns and guns is also prohibited, in principle.
Can I buy a gun in the USA as a Canadian?
Does a Canadian citizen residing in the United States need an alien number or admission number to purchase a firearm? Yes. All non-U.S. citizens need an alien number or admission number to purchase a firearm from a federal firearms licensee (FFL). A FFL cannot complete the sale without an alien or admission number.
Can I carry a gun while hiking in Canada?
In general, the only firearms allowed for wilderness protection are non-restricted rifles and shotguns. However, Canadian residents may be authorized to carry a handgun or restricted long gun for wilderness protection or for lawful occupational purposes if they: are licensed to possess restricted firearms.
Why are suppressors illegal in Canada?
Section 84(1) of the Criminal Code prescribes any device or contrivance designed or intended to muffle or stop the sound or report of a firearm to be a prohibited device.
Are glocks sold in Australia?
Glock. At The Barn, situated in Oakey, Queensland, Australia, a mere 15-minute drive from Toowoomba, we proudly offer a diverse range of Glock handguns in Australia. Glock is a globally recognized brand renowned for its reliability, durability, and innovation in the world of handguns.
Are shotguns legal in Australia?
Primary producers, farm workers, firearm dealers, firearm safety officers, collectors and clay target shooters can own functional Category C firearms. In Western Australia, Category C shotguns may be owned by sporting shooters who participate in practical shotgun competitions.
Can I carry a gun in my car in Australia?
Car and Public Transport
You cannot drive a vehicle on a road with a loaded firearm. This includes the magazine – when in the firearm it must be empty. Even on private property it is dangerous to have a loaded firearm in a vehicle, or to get in or out of the vehicle with a loaded firearm.
Do Italian cops carry guns?
In 2000, they were separated from the Army to become a separate branch of the Italian Armed Forces. Carabinieri have policing powers that can be exercised at any time and in any part of the country, and they are always permitted to carry their assigned weapon as personal equipment (Beretta 92FS pistols).
Are guns legal in Portugal?
Portuguese citizens are allowed to own firearms for hunting, target shooting, pest control, and collecting. Self-defense is not considered a legal reason for owning a firearm. The National Firearms Center (an organization affiliated with the police) is responsible for all licensing and regulations.
Can you own a gun in France?
Yes, you can own a gun in France, but it's highly regulated and requires specific licenses (hunting or shooting sport) and prior authorization for many types, with strict background checks and categorization of firearms (Categories B, C, D) determining the process, often involving clubs, permits, and official declarations to the Prefecture. While semi-automatics and handguns are permitted, they fall under stricter rules, and general self-defense isn't a primary reason for ownership.